June 12, 2003
Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen
Ho'olako Like offers start-up charter schools an opportunity to collaborate with KS to obtain financial, technical and resource support. Eligible charter schools that commit to the provisions of a contractual agreement with KS may receive a minimum of $1 for every $4 of per pupil allocation received from the State of Hawai'i. Other examples of support being provided by KS include curriculum and professional development activities, baseline accountability and program evaluation development, or other collaborations that facilitate effective education reform. In April 2003, Ho'olako Like made its first award of $153,603 to Kanu o ka 'Aina New Century Public School in Waimea, Hawai'i. During the month of May, Ho'olako Like presented awards to the following seven schools: Kula Aupuni Ni'ihau a Kahelelani Aloha Public Charter School Location: Waimea, Kaua'i Contact: Kahea Kaohelauli'i, (808) 338-0055 Award Amount: $39,762 Demographics: 45 students in grades K-12, 100% Hawaiian population Kula Aupuni Ni'ihau a Kahelelani Aloha (KANAKA) is a Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter School located in Waimea, Kaua'i. KANAKA opened in September 2000 and is currently based at the Boys and Girls Club of Waimea. The curriculum of KANAKA focuses on culturally and age-appropriate curriculum based on content and processes familiar to students such as fishing, farming, Hawaiian music, memorization and spiritual protocols, in keeping with the Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards. The school's mission is to raise the level of student involvement in community related activities and issues, including economics and governmental affairs so they may be prepared to deliver appropriate and influential representation in matters that affect their lives and the lives of their future generations. Ke Kula Ni'ihau o Kekaha Learning Center Public Charter School Location: Kekaha, Kaua'i Contact: Paul Williams, (808) 337-0481 Award Amount: $34,530 Demographics: Serves 33 students in grades K through 12, 100% Hawaiian population Ke Kula Ni'ihau o Kekaha is a Hawaiian medium, Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter School located in a renovated armory building across the street from Kekaha Elementary School. It is a total Hawaiian immersion school supported by Ni'ihau families, the State, 'Aha Punana Leo, Kekaha Elementary School and the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Most students are descendants of Ni'ihau families who live on the islands of Ni'ihau and Kaua'i. Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School Location: Kailua, O'ahu Contact: Makalapua Ka'awa, 261-0088 Award Amount: $49,900 Demographics: 60 students in grades K-12, 99% Hawaiian population Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau is a Hawaiian medium, Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter School located in Kailua, O'ahu. The curriculum of Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau focuses on rekindling educational excellence through the Hawaiian language at all levels of learning. Native Hawaiian health has been developed as a defining feature of the curriculum, daily operations and family support. Curriculum and assessments are aligned with Kumu Honua Mauli Ola and the Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards. There is multi-age grouping for course instruction, thematic based K-12 curriculum, experitial native science/community service projects. A strong model of total family education participation is supported through language and culture classes, nutrition workshops, curriculum planning workshops, family workdays, camps and fieldtrips. Hakipu'u Learning Center Location: Kaneohe, Oahu Contact: Maunalei Love, 235-9155 Award Amount: $51,045 Demographics: 43 students in grades 7 through 8, 84% are of Hawaiian ancestry Hakipu'u Learning Center is a Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter School whose main campus is located at Windward Community College on O?ahu. Hakipu'u Learning Center is a learning community dedicated to the development of a lifelong love of learning for each of its participants through rigorous, project-based curriculum inspired by the lessons of the unique environment and culture of Hawai'i. The ahupua'a of Hakipu'u (along with He'eia, Waiahole and Kualoa) are the teaching grounds for the students. The curriculum of Hakipu'u Learning Center focuses on hands-on, project-based, multiple learning laboratories located around Kane'ohe Bay. It features small class size and student-to-teacher ratio and incorporates multiple intelligence research. Ka 'Umeke Ka'eo Public Charter School Location: Keaukaha, Hawai'i Contact: Carol Ioane, (808) 933-1295 Award Amount: $140,000 Demographics: 128 students in grades K-6, 95% are Hawaiian Ka 'Umeke Ka'eo is a total Indigenous Hawaiian language immersion, culture-based Public Charter School utilizing classrooms and other facilities located on the grounds of Keaukaha Elementary School in the community of Keaukaha Hawaiian Home Lands in Hilo. Ka 'Umeke Ka'eo is committed to educating Hawaiian children through the wisdom and practices of Hawaiian culture. Every unit and daily learning activity integrates Hawaiian culture and traditions while meeting the criteria of Hawai'i Content Performance Standards. Halau Ku Mana New Century Public Charter School Location: Manoa, O'ahu Contact: Keola Nakanishi, 945-1401 Award Amount: $70,187 Demographics: 66 students in grades 6-12; 97% are Hawaiian Halau Ku Mana is a Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter school whose main campus is at the Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. The Hawaiian-based curriculum of Halau Ku Mana focuses on strengths-based, standards-aligned assessment approach, blending authentic assessment, student portfolios, and criterion- and norm-referenced tests. Lessons are closely aligned to the Hawai'i Content Performance Standards and their delivery has proven to be fun and interesting to the students who have made significant improvement in Reading, Math and Hawaiian culture. Halau Lokahi Century Public Charter School Location: Kalihi, O'ahu Contact: Laara Allbret, 832-3594 Award Amount: $125,401 Demographics: 134 students in grades K-12, 99% are Hawaiian Halau Lokahi is a K-12 Hawaiian culture-based Public Charter School located in the culturally- and economically challenged urban community of Kalihi-Palama. The curriculum of Halau Lokahi focuses on a student-centered, self-directed inquiry approach to learning using the research investigation process. Halau Lokahi's goal is to integrate traditional Hawaiian values, culture, spirituality, and learning practices with Western perspectives, standards and technology to create a balanced learning environment enabling students to walk successfully in both worlds. Students are encouraged to excel in their endeavors culturally, socially and academically. As they work to meet the Hawai'i Content Performance Standards, students learn 'olelo, oli, hula, Hawaiian history and culture, and most importantly, about being Hawaiian. For more information about Ho'olako Like, contact Sharlene Chun-Lum at 808/534-3983. Kamehameha Schools is a statewide educational system founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Nearly 4,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry are currently enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at more than 30 preschool sites statewide. More than 12,000 additional Hawaiian learners are being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
